by Bianca D’Arc
Cade took the exit that would ultimately lead to his estate. He navigated through the town and into the residential area, coming eventually to the gate and perimeter wall that surrounded his place. He’d called ahead when they left the city to let the others know they were on their way. He was glad to see they were vigilant when he pulled up to the gate. Ray met them there and paused to say hello before they passed through the gate onto the grounds.
The house came into view around a short curve, and Cade felt satisfaction run through him when Elaine gasped and her eyes widened. She liked the place, of that he was almost certain.
“You live here?”
“Most of the time. Do you like it? If you want to change anything, let me know. This is your home now too. Unless you’d rather live somewhere else.” He parked the car in the front drive and got out.
“I couldn’t imagine a lovelier place to live, Cade.” Her eyes were swimming with emotion when he came around to her side of the car. He hugged her, proud that she liked his lair. That she would share it with him.
“Wait ’til you see inside.” He lifted her into his arms, taking her by surprise as he bounded up the steps and through the open door. Bonnie had come to greet them and was completely nonplussed when she saw Cade carrying Elaine over the threshold.
But Cade didn’t give a damn. It was his house. If Bonnie was going to be obnoxious about their mating, she could damned well leave. He’d tell her and her mate that at the earliest opportunity, should it become necessary. For now, he wanted to show Elaine around their home and seek out his cousin. As Nyx, she had the power to make or break their future as a mated pair within the Clan.
One thing he knew for certain, if Ria somehow surprised him and objected, he’d wash his hands of the Clan, his familial Pride and go out on his own with Elaine. No way would he give her up. Not for the Clan. Not for the Pride. Not for anyone or anything. Never again.
Cade turned in to the living room, hoping to corner Ria there since it was early evening. Most likely they’d all already eaten dinner and were relaxing together before bed.
Cade had just lowered Elaine to her feet when an orange furball hurled itself at her. Cade realized at once they’d found Chuck the cat, but Elaine screeched as Chuck’s claws latched on to her new blue jeans. She laughed at her own reaction a second later, bending down to pick up her furry friend and smother him with hugs and kisses.
Cade never thought he’d see the day he’d be jealous of a house cat, but there it was. Just when he was about to start growling, Chuck decided he’d had enough of Elaine’s antics and wriggled out of her arms. He flounced to the floor, stuck his tail up in the air and walked away without a second glance.
“Aw, Chuck, don’t be that way,” Elaine called after him. Cade couldn’t help himself. He burst out laughing, earning a glare from Elaine. “What?”
“Nothing.” He held up his hands, palms outward, all innocence.
“You did something. I know it.”
“I didn’t do a thing. I swear. It seems Chuck is mad at you for abandoning him, and he’s decided to ignore you. Don’t worry, he’ll come around eventually. When he feels you’ve suffered enough.”
“Chuck Norris, you little stinker.” She shook her fist at his retreating tail in outrage that was only partially feigned. Cade hugged her to his side as they shared a laugh at the house cat’s expense.
“Did anyone see Chuck?” Ria’s voice came from the hallway, growing closer. “Elaine will kill me if I lose her cat.” Ria came into the room, surprise on her face when she saw them. “Cade! Elaine!” She rushed over to hug them both. “I’m glad you’re here. Oh, and, um… I didn’t really mean that about Chuck being lost. He’s around here…somewhere. He took off a few minutes ago and raced around the house like a crazy kitten. He must’ve sensed you were back.”
“Yeah, we saw him already,” Cade reassured her. “The little brat snubbed us.”
“He wouldn’t dare.” Ria’s eyes narrowed.
“It’s all right,” Elaine piped in. “He has a right to be upset. I did abandon him with relative strangers.”
Ria looked pointedly at Elaine’s neck. “Relative being the operative word.” Cade held his breath to see what Ria would do. Her acceptance mattered a lot to him both on a personal level and in her role as Nyx. He shouldn’t have worried. Ria grinned and gave Elaine another, even bigger hug. “Welcome to the family. This is gonna be great.”
Cade loved to see her youthful enthusiasm back in full force. Ria hadn’t been herself since the attack at the dojo.
“It’s true then,” Bonnie said from the doorway. Cade wasn’t surprised to see a disgusted expression on her face.
“Might as well gather everyone together. There are a few ground rules I need to establish if you’re all going to stay here.” Cade walked over to a small console that blended in mostly with the décor. He hit the intercom button and spoke briefly to summon everyone to the living room.
When they were gathered—Charlie, Ray, Steve, Molly, Bonnie and Ria—Cade put one arm around Elaine’s shoulders. They’d face this together, as they would face every challenge in the future. Greetings were exchanged, and he noted the way they reacted to the mark on Elaine’s neck.
“As you can see, Elaine and I are mated.” Cade unbuttoned his collar and the first few buttons on his shirt to display his own mark, much to everyone’s surprise. Ria, bless her heart, bounded over to make an inspection, and he allowed it only because she was Nyx, and family.
“That’s amazing,” she said after a thorough study. “I didn’t know humans could leave a mark like that. It’s a little different than the norm, but it’s definitely a mating mark. You should let Doctor Brundy look at that. I bet she’d be fascinated.”
“In due time,” Cade agreed. “But for now, I just wanted you all to know that Elaine and I are a couple and if any of you have a problem with it, you’re welcome to leave our home at your earliest convenience.”
Bonnie shifted on her feet but seemed to simmer down at that pronouncement. Nobody wanted to be left out in the cold to fend for themselves with the current threat hanging over them.
One by one, they came forward to offer their congratulations and Cade was pleased to note that every one of his friends—with the exception of Bonnie, perhaps—accepted Elaine with open arms. She’d proven herself to this inner circle, at least. Molly, much recovered from her injuries, even thanked Elaine for what she’d done at the safe house.
“I don’t know how you handled Billy Bob, but I’m grateful. He took me by surprise, and I was down before I knew anything, I’m ashamed to admit.” Molly flushed with embarrassment, and Cade knew it was tough for the female Alpha to admit her own weakness. “I hate to think what could have happened if you hadn’t been there.”
Molly took them all by surprise when she leaned forward and placed a kiss on Elaine’s cheek. Elaine still didn’t understand the significance of that expression among their people, but Ria saved Cade the effort of explaining.
“A kiss of friendship in our Clan is a special honor, Elaine,” Ria told her. “Molly just offered her friendship and respect in a very public way. Do you accept her friendship and ally your Pride with hers?”
“That sounds complicated.” Elaine made a stab at humor that luckily was well received.
“It can be,” Molly said. “In this case, however, it’s not that difficult. My Pride, such as it is, consists of me alone. All my family members were killed several years ago.” Sadness passed over her features, and Cade recalled that terrible day that had seen a young girl blossom into an Alpha warrior before her time. If she hadn’t she would have been dead now as well. “So allying with me doesn’t carry any real strings. You’re correct to be wary, however. Until you know all the ins and outs of who’s related to whom, be careful. An overture from you commits not only you, but your mate now as well and any cubs and others you may add to your Pride later.”
“Well then…” Elaine gave Molly a hug and a k
iss on the cheek. “I’d be honored to have your friendship and alliance.”
One hurdle crossed, Cade felt relief well up inside him. Slowly, Elaine would win them all over—not just this close circle of friends—but the entire Clan. She was too special for them not to see it, given half a chance.
The others were less demonstrative but for the most part just as friendly. One by one they paid their respects then filed out until only Ria, Cade and Elaine were left in the room—with Chuck pouting and pointedly ignoring Elaine as he sat by the window.
Charlie was the last one out the door. He shot Cade a quick signal to indicate he’d stand watch outside the door. It shouldn’t be necessary in his own home among friends, but the things they had to discuss were of such a sensitive nature, it was worth the extra precaution to keep a lid on this. The time would come when the rest of them would have to be told, but when and how was really up to Ria. The Nyx would have to decide the Clan’s course of action, as was her right.
“Charlie told me a little about his friend, but he was characteristically tight-lipped on what happened with Fidelio.” Ria sat on the couch facing them while Cade and Elaine cuddled on the love seat. Aptly named piece of furniture, that. He’d never thought about it before, but it was just the right size for them to share. He liked it.
“Charlie’s friend is a recently retired Navy SEAL. He told us his name was Ted, and he’s claiming Altor Custodis ties. He says his group broke with the non-interference rules because they believe the AC has become corrupt at the highest levels.”
“And what do you think of him?” Ria asked.
“I’m inclined to believe him. We had breakfast at Rich’s diner.” Cade knew Ria was aware of Rich’s position in the city’s shifter community because he’d introduced them when she first arrived in town. “One of Rich’s sons has a tiger friend who’s become a Navy SEAL. The kid is home on leave, and he recognized Ted right off. Said he was rumored to be part of an elite Ghost Team that specialized in black ops.”
“You seem to agree. Why?”
“Well, he shot Fidelio in the head, casual and neat, and never batted an eye. He’s a tough man, and the group he had with him all seemed cut from the same cloth. If they turn out to be on the level and we could recruit some of them to help with the Underground, I think we’d all be better off for it.”
“They were that good?” Ria seemed impressed.
“Better. And they have at least some basic knowledge of defensive magic. They formed a circle around us and Fidelio, and used some kind of chant to keep all magic within it. When Fidelio launched his fire at us it didn’t touch the men in the circle and didn’t leave their ring. It was constricted and died within the circle.”
“But you were in the line of fire? Like in my vision? How did you escape?”
“That’s the other thing you need to know. It seems—” Cade put his arm around Elaine’s shoulders, “—my new mate is a Shield. The flame parted in front of her and never touched either one of us.” He dropped a kiss on her hair.
“A Shield.” Ria looked at her, a grin creeping over her face. “That explains a lot. I’ve been seeing strange things since I met you, Elaine. You and…a white tiger.”
Elaine kept her poker face, which Cade had to admire. He couldn’t lie to Ria. He could, however, let her know certain things were not to be discussed at the moment, but Elaine beat him to the punch.
“I understand what that means, but I can’t tell you anything more right now, Ria. I’m sorry.”
Ria’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really?”
Cade nodded with finality, backing up his mate. “Really, cousin. The time may come soon when we can clarify things for you, but that story is not ours to tell.”
“Hmm. Well, you certainly have piqued my curiosity, but I respect your judgment. I’m just happy you’re both safe. And mated.” She clapped her hands together in joy. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. I truly believe your union is the start of something.”
“Which brings me to another thing. Ria, I’ll probably have to retire from the Guard. I won’t leave Ellie behind. She and I go together, wherever our path leads us.”
Ria held up one hand to forestall his words. He’d had a speech prepared, but she wasn’t letting him deliver it. The gentle expression on her face made him curious.
“You don’t have to retire. At least not until you settle down and start a family and maybe not even then. It’s completely your choice, because if you’re willing, I’d like to ask Elaine if she’ll accept the commission as my newest Royal Guard.”
“You mean it?” Elaine’s voice was full of wonder and excitement. Cade wasn’t sure he liked this idea, but in all good conscience, he couldn’t stand in the way of Elaine fulfilling her potential. She’d been given her gifts for a reason, and he was a great believer in fate. Elaine had been brought into their lives for a reason. He wouldn’t be a good Alpha, mate or Royal Guard if he stood in the way.
“I was willing to offer you the position based solely on what you did back at the safe house, but now that we know you’re a Shield, I’d be a fool not to recruit you. Especially because if I don’t, we’ll lose Cade. He’s our leader, Elaine, though you may not realize it. He leads the Guard contingent of the pantera noir, and it was only because he was here, in this city, that my parents allowed me to study here. They knew Cade could keep me safe, and he has.”
“Since when did you become such a good strategist, cousin?” Cade was proud of the way she’d matured over the past few weeks. Adversity had brought out the best in her, and he was glad he hadn’t called out the cavalry to come get her and whisk her away. She’d been in more danger than he liked, but she’d come out a stronger woman for it.
“Since I’ve been hanging around with you, cousin.” She winked at him, and they all laughed. “Seriously, Elaine, I’d like you to consider it.”
“And I’d like you to consider living with us, Ria,” Cade said, hitting on another important matter they had to settle. “Once we make this city safe again, I don’t see any reason why you can’t go to school here, but I want you to live with us where we can watch over you and Elaine’s Shield can protect you. What do you say? I know you wanted an apartment by yourself but recent events have convinced me that there are just too many possibilities for discovery in a city this size. You never know who might sniff you out or sense your magic. At least this way, they won’t be able to find where you live easily because once you get near Elaine, your magical trail will go cold.”
Ria was silent a long time but finally nodded. “Okay. I see the wisdom of what you’re saying, and I’ll do it. Besides, I like cubs, and I think you’ll be starting a family sooner or later. Won’t you?” She blinked at them in comical innocence, and Cade threw a pillow at her in retaliation. Chuck came over and pounced on it, claiming it as his own while they laughed.
When Elaine finally got around to checking her messages, she burst out laughing. Cade came over and rubbed her back.
“What’s so funny?”
She pressed pause on the keypad.
“My brother left the most amazing message. You’ve got to hear this.” She busied herself pressing buttons while he took a seat next to her.
“You’ve never really told me about your brother.”
It hit her again how much this wonderful man had changed her life in so short a time. They’d have years together now, to explore each other and learn all that had come before to bring them both to this point.
“I don’t see him much. He spends a lot of time out of the country or in inaccessible places. The last I knew, he was in a Tibetan monastery.”
“Sounds like an interesting character, your brother.”
“Oh, you have no idea.” She held the phone out to him. “Here, listen to this.”
Cade took the handset and raised it to his ear. After a short pause, a man’s voice came over the line.
“Hey sis, it’s me, Jake. Congratulations on your marriage. I would hav
e called to warn you, but there weren’t any phones where I was and I knew despite it all, you’d come out on top. Tell your new husband I think he’s not a bad guy, even if he isn’t human, and he better take good care of you. For what it’s worth, I think you’re both in the clear but watch your backs anyway, okay? Love you, El. I’ll be in touch when I get back to the States.”
Cade eyed her warily. “When did he leave this message?”
Elaine grinned like the cat who swallowed the canary. “Oh, didn’t I mention that my grandfather’s gift passed down to my generation? Jacob is clairvoyant. He left that message the night my apartment burned.”
Cade stared. He looked like he was in shock, but then he had it coming. Elaine liked the idea that he wasn’t the only one with supernatural surprises in his background. They’d have years together to explore them, and Elaine was eagerly looking forward to each and every one.
About the Author
To learn more about Bianca D’Arc, please visit www.biancadarc.com. Send an email to Bianca at [email protected] or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as Bianca! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biancadarc.
Look for these titles by Bianca D’Arc
Now Available:
Dragon Knights
Maiden Flight
Border Lair
Ladies of the Lair
The Ice Dragon
Prince of Spies
FireDrake
Dragon Storm
I Dream of Dragons
Wings of Change
Tales of the Were
Lords of the Were
Inferno
Caught by Cupid
Forever Valentine
Resonance Mates
Hara’s Legacy
Davin’s Quest
Jaci’s Experiment
Grady’s Awakening
Brotherhood of Blood
One and Only
Rare Vintage
Phantom Desires
Sweeter Than Wine
